Paul Bivens on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Paul Bivens and have shared our conversation below.

Paul, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes, because I believe when selling a service you are selling yourself first. I often hear after a client project that I was fun and easy to work with and that I made the process enjoyable for them.- that is of undeniable importance.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, i’m Paul! I am a professional freelance photographer – I grew up in North Carolina where I started my love for capturing images. I moved to California on my 21st birthday and took my hobby to the next level. I specialize in commercial photography including fashion/editorial, product/food and portraits – I use the environment and an organic style of photography to tell a deeper story about my subject matter.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I believe I was already me – I have never been one to conform to societal norms or follow the ways of the world, I was always my family’s black sheep. I did not go down the normal path of going to college, landing a corporate job, getting married, having kids then retiring after 3 decades with the same company – that lifestyle never appealed to me. Instead, I immediately joined the workforce, moved put of my hometown and traveled the world.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
In 2016, after almost 4 years in the most expensive state in the country – I was dead broke, had no car but still owned on that car loan – with 70 dollars in my bank account and thousands of dollars in debt and having lived in a gym closet – I told myself I would never allow to that to happen again. I started investing, living below my means and creating multiple streams of income.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Fads in my industry are temporary styles or techniques that get immensely popular or go viral but don’t stick around long term and it’s usually quite obvious certain fads will fade. Where as foundational shifts are usually advances in technology including mirrorless camera being released and becoming the new standard & AI tools like ChatGPT absolutely changing the landscape forever.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Absolutely not – I was born to do many things, we all were. So many things that I don’t have the time, resources or knowledge to do them all. I could have taken many paths, I could have driven down many roads but I chose the ones I chose and I’ll live with them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paulbivensimagery.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulbivens/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-bivens-8aa051127/

Image Credits
Kyle Rowland